Camellia japonica 'Professor Charles S Sargent'

Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

shrub

Professor Sargent Camellia

Camellia japonica 'Professor Charles S Sargent'

Same species

Species

Camellia japonicaJapanese Camellia

23 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia japonica is a classic broadleaf evergreen shrub of the winter and spring garden, celebrated for its glossy, dark green leaves and exquisite flowers. They prefer acidic soil and protection from harsh sun and wind. 'Professor Charles S. Sargent' is a treasured heirloom variety known for its vigorous growth and distinctive, deep red, peony-form to anemone-form double flowers. The tightly packed central petals create a unique pompom effect.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular floral beauty in the late winter and early spring when little else is blooming. The glossy, evergreen foliage offers a lush, handsome backdrop year-round, making it a cornerstone of the shade garden.

It can be grown as a dense, informal screen or hedge in shady locations. The cut flowers are long-lasting and make stunning additions to indoor arrangements.

The early blooms provide a vital nectar source for bees and other pollinators that emerge on warm winter days, supporting them before most other plants have begun to flower.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with dappled shade, protected from winter sun and wind.
Ensure soil is acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Set the plant 1-2 inches higher than the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with amended soil, creating a gentle mound.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of pine straw or bark mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball 1-2 inches above the surrounding soil level, to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
Mulch year-round to protect shallow roots.
Fertilize with an acid-lovers formula after spring bloom.
Prune after flowering to improve air circulation and shape.
Pick up and destroy fallen blooms to prevent petal blight.

Don't

Do not plant in full sun or expose to harsh afternoon sun.
Avoid planting in alkaline or poorly drained soil.
Don't plant too deeply; this is a common cause of failure.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as it can damage new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen in a woodland gardenClassic foundation planting on a north or east exposureLustrous evergreen screen for shady areas

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) Pieris japonica Ferns (various) Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Professor Sargent Camellia questions

What zones can Professor Sargent Camellia grow in?

Professor Sargent Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Professor Sargent Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Professor Sargent Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Professor Sargent Camellia bloom?

Professor Sargent Camellia typically blooms in late winter through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Professor Sargent Camellia need full sun?

Professor Sargent Camellia does best in part shade.